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Copyright © 1997, Jay Ligda.  All rights reserved.  Published by Humans in the Universe and Jay Ligda.

Newton and the Cartesian Myth

      Newton originally used calculus to formulate mathematical laws for the motion of all bodies under the influence of gravity, thus confirming the Cartesian view of nature as a mechanical system (Capra, 1982).  Ironically, Newton did not fully believe in the mechanical view of the universe, however he kept his mystical beliefs suppressed to maintain his public image (Berman, 1984).  Newton, in a sense, "sold his soul" for a public image.  This sacrifice profoundly affected the way humanity viewed nature (Berman, 1984).

      While Newton supported the Cartesian myth in his days, he also provided the means for its dismissal.  As fate would have it, in the twentieth century, Newton's calculus became the foundation for Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.  Both these discoveries have led physicists to question the Cartesian paradigm and reintroduced a mystical element to the universe.  Einstein's theory of relativity showed that space and time are not independent of each other as the Cartesian model seemed to suggest.  Rather, they are inseparable, forming a four dimensional reality called space-time (Hawking, 1988).  Quantum mechanics has shown that the observer cannot be an observer without affecting the outcome of an experiment.  This nullified an objective view of the universe and began to seal the gap between humanity and the environment (Capra, 1975).  Prior to these theories, the Cartesian paradigm allowed for the objectification of nature and set the stage for the industrial revolution

by Jay Ligda

(This work is a all or part of an original work first published/written for John. F. Kennedy University:  Final Integrative Project., Mar1996.)


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References

  • Berman, M.  (1984).  The Reenchantment of the World.  New York, NY: Bantam.
  • Capra, F. (1975).  The Tao of Physics.  New York, NY:  Bantam.
  • Capra, F. (1982).  The Turning Point:  Science, Society, and the Rising Culture.  New York, NY:  Bantam.
  • Hawking, S.  (1988).  A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes.  New York, NY: Bantam.

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